Activities on tap for coming days

With the official celebration of Halloween just days away, activities abound in and around Gadsden, some celebrating the holiday and some just celebrating.

The YMCA of the Coosa Valley hosts “Craftin’ on the Coosa” from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 26) at the Y at 100 Walnut Street in Gadsden. There will be vendors with demonstrations and giveaways throughout the day, and refreshments for sale. Money raised through the crafting event will go toward work in the YMCA’s childcare department.

Also on Saturday, Downtown Gadsden Inc. invites everyone to bring costumed pets for the Howl-o-Weenie Paw-ty, a pet parade to benefit the Humane Society Pet and Rescue Center. Registration ($5) begins at 9 a.m. at the corner of Fourth and Broad streets, with judging at 10 a.m. The Coffee Well will be open at 8 a.m. for breakfast before the event begins.

The Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts Fall Festival is Saturday (Oct. 26) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for children is $5, with no charge for adults. Children can enjoy face painting, decorate a Jack-o-lantern cookie, make an arrowhead necklace, show off their costumes and pick up a map of downtown merchants awaiting trick-or-treaters during the festival.

Downtown activities Saturday will include the 9th annual Zombie Parade, starting at 3 p.m. All participants are to meet in the lot behind Blackstone. A pub crawl will follow beginning at the Downtown Tavern at 5 p.m. There will be a make-up workshop at 1 p.m. sponsored by the Toy Exchange.

On Oct. 29, Gadsden City Councilman Johnny Cannon invites everyone to enjoy Treats on Wall Street. There will be activities and trick-or-treating for children from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wall Street.

Alabama Mentor will be accepting trick-or-treaters on Oct. 31 during its monthly open house at 6 p.m. at 96 Industrial Drive in Attalla. Information related to what it takes to be a licensed foster parent also will be available.

Attalla Parks and Recreation will host a Trunk or Treat at the Attalla Community Center at 115 Case Avenue. The event will be in the parking lot of the center, across the street from Carnes Recreation Center. Spaces will be set up by local businesses and the public is invited to reserve a space to pass out unwrapped, unopened candy and treats from 5 to 7 p.m. Halloween night. Sarrell Dental will be making free Halloween pictures for the first 500 children.

Norris Community Center in Attalla will be holding a Hallelujah Night on Oct. 31 for the young people of the community from 5 – 7 p.m. There will be food, prizes, candy, music and giveaways.

The 2nd annual Monster Mash Howl-O-ween Bash is on Oct. 31, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Fish Market on Rainbow Drive. Tickets are $40 for the event. Proceeds will go to the Humane Society Pet and Rescue Center. For information, contact the Humane Society.

The Messenger will welcome trick or treaters from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 31. Treats will be available for children and new subscribers will receive a free candle.